The Equality Act 2010 protects individuals against discrimination in relation to their:
- Sex;
- race (e.g. race, ethnic or national origin);
- age;
- disability;
- pregnancy or maternity;
- status as a married person or civil partner;
- gender reassignment;
- sexual orientation;
- religion or belief (which includes philosophical belief).
These are known as “protected characteristics”.
It is unlawful to discriminate against or harass an individual because of a protected characteristic. This applies to all areas of employment including recruitment, contractual terms, working conditions, promotions, transfers, dismissals and training. Former employees are also protected, as well as applicants for employment, agency workers, office-holders and partners.
It is not only employers who may be found liable for discrimination, but also colleagues of the victim and others who have been involved. Employers are responsible for the ways that employees and workers treat each other too.
The tests and rules governing discrimination vary depending on the particular protected characteristic and it is a fast moving area of law. It is recommended that employees who believe they may be the victims of discrimination take legal advice. Our experienced team would be pleased to provide that advice.
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What our customers say
AI – RS1
“Would highly recommend. Very professional team and I am grateful for all the support I have received and the end result.”
AI – RS4
“Very considerate of the situation. Would highly recommend and pleased with final outcome.”
KB – Google 1
“I’ve dealt with Rowberry Morris twice and in both cases they were excellent and secured the desired result with great communication, advice and guidance throughout. I won’t hesitate to use them again in the future. Thank you again Peter and Katherine.”
AI RS19
“Anna was recommended to me during a difficult period. From first contact, first dealing with Ruth (Pocock) and then Anna, nothing was too much trouble. The level of detail was delivered not only professionally but friendly and with empathy too. I have no hesitation recommending Rowberry Morris.”
AI RS15
“Extremely good service: Professional Thorough Plenty of time for you Easy to understand”
AI – RS11
“Outstanding service and advice driven by a passionate attitude to win.”
AI – RS9
“A tremendous firm – Anna is brilliant – she knows everything about employment law and is calm and supportive – i cannot thank her enough for dealing and being successful with my situation.”
AI – RS10
“An excellent, friendly service from start to finish. I was kept informed of progress and was told about the costs in the beginning. I have used Rowberry Morris for other matters so it was and will remain a natural first call if ever I need their services.”
AI RS17
“We were put in touch with Anna at Rowberry Morris by our HR advisors, who recommended engaging with her in relation to an ongoing issue we have with an ex-member of staff. Anna and the team were brilliant from start to finish, providing reassurance, great advice and dealing with a situation professionally and without the…
AI – RS3
“In agreeing my redundancy settlement I received a fantastic service from a professional and knowledgeable practice”
AI – RS5
“I used the services of Rowberry Morris to negotiate a Settlement Agreement with my employer. The work had to be done quickly due to the two-week deadline imposed by my employer. Despite the challenges imposed by the COVID crisis, the Solicitor and their assistant communicated very effectively, clearly explained my options and reached a settlement…
AI – RS7
“Rowberry Morris and Anna Illingworth were recommended to myself. Although a short employment exit review, everything was explained to me clearly with chance to query or confirm understanding. Great care was taken and required changes were raised and were all accepted by my now ex-employer. I felt that the advice was clear and that I…